The Howard Johnson Anaheim Hotel & Water Playground has been a fan favorite as long as I can remember. With its mid-century modern decor and its convenient location, the Good Neighbor Hotel continues to be popular with Disneyland Resort visitors, so I decided to spend a weekend here to see just what makes this hotel a fan favorite.
The Disneyland Resort is surrounded by locally owned and chain non-Disney eateries, lodging and more, so sometimes there are some great options (and values) to be had just outside of the gates. When it comes to hotels, Disney has partnered with nearly 60 area hotels that can be included with your tickets as part of a Disneyland Resort Good Neighbor Hotel Vacation Package.
The Howard Johnson is located across Harbor Boulevard from the pedestrian entrance to the Disneyland Resort, just a short walk to the theme parks.
The hotel features 296 rooms spread out over six buildings. There are four smaller 2-story wings, plus a 4-story and 7-story building. My room was in Building 1, the largest building in the complex.
I was upgraded to a very roomy Premium Room with 2 queen beds and a city (aka freeway) view. The hotel offers a large variety of options from Economy Rooms with 2 double beds up to King Suites with two balconies and of the Disneyland fireworks.
I love how bright this room is, featuring mid-century modern themes, but also carrying forward the classic Howard Johnson color scheme.
The beds are comfortable, with plenty of pillows and simple white linens. I appreciate all of the reading lights and convenient nightstands on all sides of the beds.
Across from the bed is a dresser, large desk, television, dining table, and couch.
The room also features a small coffee maker, microwave, and refrigerator.
The large closet holds a safe, iron and ironing board, and has plenty of room to hang garments.
The closet also holds a nice surprise.
What appears to be just a window view of the city, is a little more.
Inside the closet is a somewhat hidden door that leads out to the space between the double windows, and then a sliding glass door leads out to a small balcony.
Near the entrance to the room is a large bathroom that includes double sinks, a full-sized tub with shower, and plenty of space to move around.
The bathroom has beautiful white tile, fluffy towels, and upgraded bath products.
If you decide you want to take a break from the parks (especially during the summer), Howard Johnson offers two different areas to cool down.
Castaway Cove is located near the lobby building and is perfect for guests with younger children.
The Garden Pool is located near the 4-story Building 2 and is nice for grown-ups and older kids.
While there is no restaurant at the hotel itself, there are several nearby, including McDonald’s and Panera Bread. If you’re just looking for a snack or even a last minute souvenir, the large Mid Mod Market might have what you need without having to leave the hotel.
If you bring a vehicle, keep in mind that parking is $25 per day (plus tax). Parking is good through 12 noon on the date of checkout, so if you plan on staying the theme parks later on your final day, you’ll need to make other arrangements or pay for an additional day if there’s availability.
While I would probably avoid the Economy Rooms and rooms in the 2-story buildings, I would definitely stay at the Howard Johnson Anaheim Hotel. If you want a hotel within walking distance, and it’s in your budget, check it out and see for yourself why Disneyland fans love it so much.
